Comments: I purchased the 7' 3" XH frog rod after breaking my old Daiwa Stee*z XBD frog rod (my fault) and it definitely a better all around frog rod for literally half the price of the Stee*z. Paired it with the newer Metanium B 8.1 ratio and 50lb super slick V2, I had a day of probably 25+ 3lb or bigger class largemouth and this Expride absolutely man-handled them all. Was pulling fish out of thick mixed pads and pencil reeds and not once felt like I wasn't in control of the fight. Launches frogs a mile with the metanium and the tip is a perfect blend of a moderate-ish-fast so you don't rip the frog out if fishes mouth and you get money hooksets. I cannot recommend this rod enough for frogging, I threw a 6" magdraft around on another outing and it does okay, but a longer rod like a 7' 6" or 8" worked better. If you use heavy grass jigs or wanna pitch and flip t-rigges plastics with it, it could absolutely work for that also, it is a very sensitive rod. For $300 af ter tax, the Expride Bs are without a doubt the best value bass rods on the market in my opinion. And I own Stee*zs, Destroyers, NRXs,etc. Definitely pick one up if you're thinking about it, I love em!
From: Cooper: Minnesota 7/22/23
Comments: I now have three Exprides, which are all great rods, but when it comes to the 7'2" MH/F I picked up for my all around jig rod I couldn't be happier. Sensitive is definitely one word to describe it but a better description is the rod just feels so clean and crisp. A bass picking up a jig communicates so well through the rod and fighting the fish back to the boat is so much fun. After a few weeks worth of fishing with this rod I would absolutely buy it again.
From: Dan: Michigan 5/23/23
Comments: I've had almost a full season's worth of experience with the Expride B model and I've fallen in love with the line. Being mainly a bank angler I do feel like it may be a little but overkill but I wouldn't change my purchase at all. I bought the 7'2 MH F, and the 7'2 H F. Phenomenal rods I'm glad I took TacticalBassin's advice! I've tried put so many other rods but always end up coming back to this line of Shimano rods. Being a bank angler, you really don't wanna carry more than 3-4 combos max and I'm so happy that these are in the starting lineup. Keep in mind, Shimano rods do seem a tad bit stiffer than the other companies. I like how versatile the rods are. I also have the ML and M in the spinning versions both have exceeded my expectations. I do like how they added the hook keeper at the bottom in the B version but it's hard to get heavier hooks to sit in it properly without scratching up the blank. That's a minor issue to me though. I've heard great things about the zodias as well but if you the extra $50 I would 100% invest it into this rod instead. All I was missing was a dedicated squarebill/chatterbait rod so I got the intenza MH glass. Would have gotten another one of these in the MH glass instead but needed to reserve some money for the reel and lures too haha. If I don't like the intenza I'm definitely picking another one of these up though. Bottom line, PULL THE TRIGGER ON THIS YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!
From: Umair: Illinois 12/25/22
Comments: 8'XXH arrived today and couldn't wait to tie up and toss it around. I was wondering if the handle would be long enough-it is, I'm used to Orochi Leviathan and Loomis 966, and though I have a rod w a very long handle (Leviathan rods XH) the handle on this Expride is a great length-especially for a kayak angler like me. I chucked a modified weedless 8" magdraft a very long way. Also an 8" savage gear a very long way. A 5.5oz Real Prey carp also went an extremely long way. This is a softbait rod-at least as lightweight as any other big gear I've got. Likely more sensitive due to the fast action (its not moderate to me) and great materials. I've been looking awhile for a softbait rod, took a chance, and found exactly what I wanted. Shimano does it again. Can't wait to crack some positive hooksets with this stud of a rod. Glad I branched out!
From: Timothy: ME 12/7/22
Comments: I ordered the 7'6 XH Expride B as a flipping stick and for punching mats down in Florida and it's absolutely incredible. I like the mod fast action so it's not a broom stick and has some tip and gradually gets into the backbone so you can pitch into targets accurately. I use it for throwing soft Swimbaits up to 2oz as well and it fits the bill perfectly. I have the 7'2MH Expride A that I use for jigs and Texas Rig baits and it's my favorite rod that I own. I think the Expride B actually has it beat now. It's the same rod build as the A but I really like the monocoque handle and my favorite part is "Wait for it" A FREAKING HOOK HANGER FINALLY!!! Shimano listened finally and gave us what we wanted. Beautiful rod and you can't find a better rod for the money. Buy one you won't regret it.
From: RDSMITT : Florida 11/17/22
Comments: This rod is really good. I have had Phenix MBX models for the last 3-4 years and wanted to try another brand. I purchased the 7'2" ML and this rod is excellent for free rig/TX rig/Ikas/Etc. even throw a lighter spinner bait on it. I will defiantly be buying more in the future. Action and sensitivity are perfect, nice tip with a good backbone. Thank you T.W. and Shimano
From: Ryan : San Diego, CA 11/1/22
Comments: I bought the 8 foot XX- heavy swimbait rod .. and just WOW !! What a phenomenal Swimbait rod .. I have 3 others all a bit more expensive only this expride is just better / nicer .. it's so light for a swimbait rod .. the parabolic bend is perfect for swimbaits .. ( I gave away my $700 Megabass casino to a friend knowing I would never use it again ) I've a few other Exprides so when I saw this new model out I wanted to give it a go ..I'm just floored at how well dialed in this rod is for big baits .. the weight of it will have you enamored. Hard to see myself throwing my other S.B rods now when this is is just so damn perfect .. last note I'm loving the upgraded V2 version .. the mono c. The handle is not really necessary in this rod .. but it's cool to have. The Matt black is also very sheik .. as far as swimbait rods I foresee this rod becoming just as popular as the 6’10 M was/is for jerk baits P.s .. don't let that XX heavy fool you .. this is far from a pool stick .. absolutely perfect parabolic bend for treble hooks
From: Dean : Las Vegas 10/16/22
Comments: I have the 7' medium glass, this rod likes to stay around the 12 to 15 foot range with smaller cranks. Landing fish with this rod is very sweet the rod has a nice parabolic action to it and really keeps those treble hooks from tearing. I would say if you want sensitivity stay with a non glass rod even though this one is composite it still has trouble in that department it's not a noodle like full glass but everything is just Dulled down a bit. So far I really like this rod for small/medium sized cranks. The tip is pretty whippy so you get those small light baits to load up and fly out there pretty good as well. Not a deep diving rod.
From: Derek: Arizona 8/19/22
Comments: I have 610MB its the best jerkbait/cranking rod very sensitive, versatile and the new monocoque butt/handle adds extra sensitivity in the forearm area and makes the rod lighter compared to Expride A with eva foam. I also have the 72MHB which is pretty stout but it a workhorse very versatile use it for frogs, bladed jigs, spinnerbiat, buzzbaits and everything in between. The New Expride B rods rule! Get em while they are hot and instock! Just as good as NRX+ GLoomis and who owns GLoomis? GLoomis is a Shimano company! Just as good as the high high end rods.
From: Unknown: 7/19/22
Comments: I don't usually leave reviews, but for this, I'll make an exception. I was able to get my hands on a 7'2" MH. Quite frankly, it's outstanding. The sensitivity is fantastic, it loads up well on the cast, and it fought two nice walleye flawlessly. The only knock I can give it is that it's got a couple of small scratches on it from the one time I've gone fishing with it. Bonus points: it looks sexy. Awesome rod!
From: Devin: Minnesota 7/10/22
Comments: Just received my new Expride B, 7'2" MH. The rod is really nice. Expride continues to be an incredible value. I have found that the Expride MH model would be rated as a Heavy in other lines. This is not a complaint, rather it is something one should know going into the purchase. Rod is very sensitive and an exceptional jig and worm rod. I will also use this rod as my "shorter" flippin and pitching rod when the situation calls for it. I now own 3 Exprides, the 6'10" M, 7'6" MH, and this one. Very satisfied with all. The BEST upgrade on the Ex B is this one has a hook hanger on handle. Never understood the omission of one on the original.
From: Unknown: Shell Knob, MO 6/21/22
